10 Most Common Jewelry Repairs and Fixes

Jewelry is often one of our most treasured possessions, carrying sentimental value, aesthetic appeal, and sometimes even significant monetary worth. However, regular wear and tear, accidental damage, or aging can lead to the need for repairs. Whether it’s a broken chain or a loose gemstone, understanding common jewelry repairs can help you better care for your pieces and know when to seek professional help.

Here’s a list of the 10 most common jewelry repairs and fixes, along with tips on how to prevent future damage and when to consult an expert.

1. Ring Resizing

What It Is

Over time, changes in finger size due to weight fluctuations, temperature, or lifestyle may require resizing a ring for a better fit. Resizing involves either adding or removing metal from the band to adjust its size.

How It’s Done

  • The jeweler cuts the band and adds or removes a small section of metal.
  • The ring is then soldered back together, polished, and cleaned.

Prevention Tips

  • Avoid wearing rings during activities that may cause finger swelling, such as exercising or hot weather.

2. Stone Replacement

What It Is

A missing gemstone—whether a diamond or a colored stone—can significantly affect a piece’s appearance and value. This repair involves replacing the missing stone with a similar one.

How It’s Done

  • The jeweler sources a matching stone.
  • The new stone is set securely into the piece.

Prevention Tips

  • Have your jewelry inspected regularly to ensure prongs and settings are secure.
  • Avoid wearing jewelry during rough activities.

3. Prong Repair and Retipping

What It Is

Prongs hold gemstones in place, and over time, they can become worn, bent, or broken, putting the stone at risk of falling out.

How It’s Done

  • The jeweler rebuilds or repairs the prongs, either by reshaping them or adding new metal.

Prevention Tips

  • Check prongs regularly and have them retipped every few years, especially for pieces worn daily, like engagement rings.

4. Chain and Clasp Repair

What It Is

Broken chains and malfunctioning clasps are common issues for necklaces and bracelets.

How It’s Done

  • For chain repair, the jeweler carefully reconnects broken links or replaces damaged sections.
  • For clasp repair, the jeweler may fix the mechanism or replace the clasp entirely.

Prevention Tips

  • Avoid tugging on chains or wearing them to bed, where they may snag and break.

5. Soldering Repairs

What It Is

Soldering is the process of joining broken parts of metal, such as a broken band, chain, or bracelet.

How It’s Done

  • The jeweler uses heat to fuse the broken sections together seamlessly.

Prevention Tips

  • Store jewelry properly to avoid accidental damage.
  • Remove jewelry before engaging in physical activities.

6. Pearl Restringing

What It Is

Over time, the thread holding a pearl necklace or bracelet together can weaken, leading to potential breakage.

How It’s Done

  • The jeweler carefully restrings the pearls, often knotting between each one to prevent loss if the strand breaks.

Prevention Tips

  • Restring pearl jewelry every 1–2 years, depending on how often it’s worn.

7. Engraving Restoration

What It Is

Engravings on rings, pendants, or bracelets may fade over time due to wear.

How It’s Done

  • The jeweler restores the engraving by deepening the existing lines or reapplying the design.

Prevention Tips

  • Avoid excessive polishing of engraved areas, which can wear down the design.

8. Polishing and Cleaning

What It Is

Over time, jewelry can lose its shine due to dirt, oils, and scratches. Professional polishing and cleaning restore the piece’s luster.

How It’s Done

  • The jeweler uses ultrasonic cleaners, steamers, and polishing tools to remove dirt and scratches.

Prevention Tips

  • Clean jewelry regularly at home using mild soap and a soft brush.
  • Store jewelry in soft pouches to prevent scratching.

9. Rhodium Plating

What It Is

White gold jewelry tends to lose its bright, reflective finish over time. Rhodium plating restores its shiny, white appearance.

How It’s Done

  • The jeweler cleans the piece thoroughly and applies a thin layer of rhodium using electroplating.

Prevention Tips

  • Avoid exposure to harsh chemicals and remove jewelry before swimming in chlorinated pools.

10. Watch Repairs and Battery Replacement

What It Is

From dead batteries to broken straps and water damage, watches often require specialized repairs to maintain functionality.

How It’s Done

  • Battery replacements are quick fixes, while more complex repairs like mechanism adjustments or water sealing may take longer.

Prevention Tips

  • Replace watch batteries promptly to avoid leaks.
  • Have your watch serviced regularly by a professional.

When to Seek Professional Help

While some minor fixes, such as cleaning or polishing, can be done at home, most jewelry repairs require professional expertise to avoid further damage. Seek a trusted jeweler for any of the following:

  • Loose or missing stones.
  • Broken chains, bands, or clasps.
  • Tarnished or dull metals that need professional cleaning or plating.

Finding Reliable Jewelry Repair in Atlanta

For those in Atlanta, several reputable shops offer high-quality and affordable jewelry repair services, including:

  • Fast-Fix Jewelry and Watch Repairs (Lenox Square Mall)
  • Worthmore Jewelers (Midtown and Decatur)
  • Brown & Co. Jewelers (Buckhead and Roswell)

Each of these stores provides skilled craftsmanship and transparent pricing, making them great choices for all your jewelry repair needs.

Conclusion

Jewelry repairs are an inevitable part of owning and wearing beautiful pieces. By understanding the most common fixes and how to care for your jewelry, you can prolong its life and ensure it continues to sparkle for years to come. Whether it’s a simple cleaning or a more complex restoration, having a trusted jeweler and following preventive care tips can save you time, money, and stress.

Key Takeaways:

  • Regularly inspect your jewelry for signs of wear, such as loose stones or damaged clasps.
  • Practice preventive care, like proper storage and cleaning, to reduce the need for frequent repairs.
  • Seek professional help for delicate or complex fixes to maintain the integrity of your jewelry.

With these tips in mind, your cherished pieces will remain timeless treasures!